Raquel's Miracle Kidney

07/16/2026

Today, I experienced something every home hemodialysis patient hopes they never have to face… a power outage during treatment. 🆘

Thankfully, I was prepared. 🙏🏻

My dialysis machine was connected to a battery backup that gave me enough time to safely perform an emergency blood rinse-back and disconnect.

When you’re on hemodialysis, your blood is circulating outside your body through the machine. If the blood pump stops and your blood can’t be returned in time, it can clot in the tubing and be lost. 😱

This reminded me how important it is to have an emergency plan. If you’re doing home hemodialysis, talk to your dialysis team about backup power options for your setup.

I’m sharing the battery backup I use because I hope it helps another dialysis patient feel safer and more prepared. 💚

Link in my linktree on my bio. 🔗

06/25/2026

New anti-rejection drug!

We also report on potentially important discoveries that could lead to the first treatment for West Nile virus, and improved care of pneumonia patients.

05/08/2026

After countless blood tests, doctor appointments, and procedures, I finally received the news that I have officially been listed for a kidney transplant. 💚

This is a huge step forward in my journey, but my fight is not over yet. Because I am highly sensitized, finding a compatible kidney is extremely difficult. I am currently searching for a living kidney donor to participate in the paired exchange program through the National Kidney Registry. Even if someone is not a direct match for me, they may still be able to donate on my behalf so I can receive a compatible kidney through a kidney swap program.

I created a microsite where you can learn more about my story, living donation, and how to help: 💚 https://nkr.org/RQJ982

Please take a moment to read and, most importantly, SHARE my story. Every share brings me one step closer to finding my miracle kidney. 🙏

Thank you for all the love, prayers, support, and encouragement you’ve given me throughout this journey. I truly couldn’t do this alone.

Raquel Friera is seeking a living kidney donor. Paired exchange may allow you to help even if you’re not a direct match. Confidential screening takes only a few minutes.

04/29/2026

Scientists discover how to freeze organs without cracking them.

Interesting article, check it out!

Scientists are making a major leap toward freezing organs for future use without damaging them. A new study reveals that one of the biggest obstacles—cracking during ultra-cold preservation—can be reduced by carefully tuning the temperature at which tissues enter a glass-like state. This breakth...

04/17/2026

“Raquel, what were you like in the 90s?”
Always dancing… no matter the place, no matter the song. 💃🏽 Some things never change. ❤️

04/14/2026

This is HUGE!!! The first ever treatment for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), the kidney disease that I and so many others have! 👏🏽🎉🙏🏽

This disease took my native kidneys and also took my 1st and 2nd kidney transplants in about 3 years and it put me back on hemodialysis. I was diagnosed in 1999 and have been waiting for a treatment for FSGS since then. 🙏🏽🎉😮😍

A breakthrough decades in the making! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved sparsentan (FILSPARI) for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

This is the first-ever treatment specifically approved for FSGS, and marks a major breakthrough after years without disease-specific therapies.

This milestone is the result of years of collaboration across patients, researchers, physicians, and advocates who never stopped pushing for better care.

Join us Monday, April 20th at 8pm ET for a live town hall lead by expert nephrologists where they will discuss what this approval means for those impacted by FSGS and answer your questions.

To learn more and register for the town hall, click here: https://nephcure.org/fda-approves-sparsentan-for-fsgs-marking-a-landmark-achievement-for-patients-living-with-rare-kidney-disease/

04/13/2026

Follow me on Tik Tok!

Check out rawkel’s video.

04/11/2026

Celebrating Blue & Green Day for Donate Life Month with South Florida Donor Network 💙💚

Today we raise awareness for the life-saving power of organ, eye, and tissue donation, while honoring the heroic donors and families who make second chances possible.

Did you know you can donate certain organs while alive? Living donors can save lives by donating a kidney or a portion of their liver.

You can also register to become an organ donor and give the gift of life after you pass. Organs that can be donated include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines—helping multiple people in need.

Be a hero. Sign up as a donor, have the conversation with your loved ones, and help create more second chances.

04/11/2026

Celebrating Blue & Green Day for Donate Life with South Florida Donor Network. 💙💚